Walmart seems to also be joining in, offering its Black Friday deals a week in advance and giving one-hour guarantee items. (Via CNN)

"Can't leave without the TV. Wait, what if they're all gone?"

"If we run out, you'll still get it by Christmas at Black Friday prices." (Via Walmart)

Whether this switch in Black Friday strategy will help with consumer spending or the violence remains to be seen, but according to the LA Times, retailers have to do something because they need Black Friday a lot more than you do.

"[Retailers are] trying to make up for sales that have been weak through much of the year, damaged by volatile weather, shaky consumer confidence, the government debt stalemate and a payroll tax increase. Forecasts for the Thanksgiving-to-Christmas period ... are dour."

Retailers as well as consumers will be working with a shorter holiday season. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, there will be only four weekends this year instead of five.